3 minute read
Why Women's Groups in the Flooring Industry Matter
Lisbeth Calandrino with Karen George, Managing Editor
When people talk about networking, there are plenty of groans and exasperated looks. Networking and building relationships equal work. When it comes to women and networking, my experience is different. Put twenty women in a room, and the excitement starts. Even before we get to know each other, there’re lots of smiles and energy. It’s just a matter of time until smaller groups form, and people are laughing and getting to know each other. Women immediately have things in common that have nothing to do with business but have everything to do with being women. Sharing who we are the first step in networking.
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In the early ’70s, things were rocking for women. Consciousness-raising and feminism were beginning to be topics of conversation, along with women’s changing roles in society. The nature of personal development and in these groups is intricately related to and reflected in women’s roles and status in society. More women were working, although attitudes and behavior were often in opposition to societal roles. We were becoming more outspoken, and the world was listening.
In 1972, I established a women’s organization at the YWCA in Hudson, New York. It was called the Women’s Group, and we discussed everything from work attitudes to and changes in social roles and norms concerning women. This was about the same time I went into the flooring business with my sister, Sonna. We experienced not being able to apply for credit until 1974, nor get a business loan without a male cosigner! To get an idea of what it was like, it’s worth reading the Women’s Business Ownership Act of 1988.
It should be recognized that these changes in women’s attitudes and behavior were often in opposition to established social roles and norms concerning women. The US Census Bureau, in 1972, reported 402,000 women-owned businesses in the United States. The American Express OPEN reports, the number of women-owned firms increased a dramatic 31 times, reaching 12.3 million in 2020. As women-owned businesses grow, we need to share our personal experiences and ideas with other women. Our backgrounds are different, as are our attitudes to society and work. COVID-19 has made work-life balance even more difficult for working women. Flexible work hours should be positive, but the lack of childcare in many areas has affected women’s productivity levels.
Several months ago, organizer Michelle Winters and Rachel Berlin asked me to be part of their start-up group on Facebook, Women of the Flooring Business. How exciting to again be part of a women’s group is dedicated to an industry that I love. Several other groups are dedicated to women; one of the most active groups in our industry is Women and Stone, which provides resources and opportunities to recruit, retain, and advance women in the stone industry. Shannon Bilby Vogel hosts Fabulous Females in Flooring, and a Carpet One Group hosed by Julie Kerkochian, owner of United Carpet One in Fresno.
When I first started coaching business owners in the ’90s, the owners were mostly men who set the standards. As women became recognized as the primary flooring buyer, women were called upon to provide insight into ‘one of their own.’ In my opinion, women business owners became more visible, and the industry was more diversified and fashionable.
I brought the idea of our group at the virtual TISE education committee meeting and was amazed at everyone’s support. All promised suggestions, and over the past months, they have all come through.
I love our group members; they’re involved, offer their ideas, and are willing to share. I get the feeling I could call any of them and get an invitation for dinner, a glass of wine, or ideas for a business.
Our group continues to grow, 1000 members are our goal; we dream of a fantastic event at Surfaces to celebrate. We hope to meet you there!
As it’s been said, “We’ve come a long way, baby.” ❚
